Get it while you can!! HOT Logitech Z5500 Speaker system NEW

[funboy6942]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: funboy42

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: funboy42

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: Aquila76

Originally posted by: kenji4life
I haven't heard these personally, but based on the specs and the reviews I've seen, these more than 'rival most' htib's. With exception of audiophile htib's for hundreds more, of course.

That's exactly what I was comparing them to. These blow the grilles off the SONY, Philips, and RCA htibs they're comparably priced with. I've compared a set of these to my buddy's Klipsch setup and an Onkyo htib, and I think the Logitech sounded better (more detailed, smoother transitions), especially at this price point.

I currently have a Creative / Cambridge SoundWorks DTT3500 set on my PC, and they've been great since 2001 when I got them. However, their amp can't decode dts, only Dolby Digital. Since I got my widescreen LCD, I've been using my PC more and more for DVD viewing. Many of my DVDs are dts encoded and just don't sound right (to me anyway) using the WinDVD dts > analog decoder. Problem solved with the Logitech kit!

I don't even know that "audiophile htib" means, but Sony, Philips, and RCA are not it

Onkyo makes decent HTIB sets but even their ~$1k 7.1 THX certified (real THX, not computer speaker THX) wouldn't get into the "audiophile" category

I sent a question about this once and for all and will post what I get back. I dont think there is a diff between PC or home speakers, that in order to get the THX logo on it it has to pass, and match. or exceed, the same sound qualifications for both.
Should find out straight from the horses mouth, for I emailed THX directly about it to find out.

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="https://mywebspace.wi............levels.jpg"><a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="https://mywebspace.wisc..........X%20levels.jpg"><a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="https://mywebspace.wisc.edu......m/THX%20levels.jpg"><a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="https://mywebspace.wisc.edu/sp...andom/THX%20levels.jpg"><a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="https://mywebspace.wisc.edu/spmclaughlin/web/Random/THX%20levels.jpg">https://mywebspace.wi............pg</a></a></a></a></a>

OK finally, my question is answered and I was right in my understanding of it. It does still have to pass the same Sound quality test, and reproduction and liner test same as home theater stuff, just it would be rated for a smaller room, but as far as sound goes it still has to pass the same exact test and makes my Z5500 sound no better, different, or worse, then a Onkyo HT THX $1K system, other then it can go louder.

HA, put that in your pipes and smoke it with all you haters that say "its not the same", for it sounds the same just not as loud, mmmmm I love my THX Z5500 even more now for even if I spent $1+ on another THX certified system, it will sound about the same as what I have, and what I have now is plenty loud enough for me

Thank you YoYo for finding that for me.

Actually I was just showing that as a clear example that there are different levels, not that loudness is the only difference. THX specifications are not given out to the public but rather kept just given to manufacturers who pay for to have their equipment tested and certified.

Here's more info
http://www.audioholics.com/edu...tion-general-questions

I would have to agree with anyone who says "it's not the same", especially in terms of the "Loudspeakers" section of that table included in that link. I would be totally shocked if any of those specs for Select and Ultra were met by the performance of the z-5500 set.

BUT:

WHAT IS THX CERTIFICATION?
Certified THX products must meet an exclusive set of performance standards established by THX. These THX performance standards were originally developed in response to George Lucas' personal desire to insure that the original Star Wars? soundtracks, heard in the cinema, matched those created on the sound stage. Later, these standards were extended to encompass Home Theater systems and recently adapted to the specialized needs of multi-channel surround reproduction from movies and games, on DVD, played back on a PC-based multimedia system. All multimedia products seeking THX Certification must meet these rigorous performance requirements and quality standards before they can carry the THX logo which is your guarantee that the THX certified Multimedia product will give you performance and reliability, second-to-none, for years to come. These performance standards cover all aspects of the product including power handling, frequency response, dispersion characteristics and more.

With that said, and your link you gave, the only differences is really between them all, is what limits it has to reproduce the same sound reproduction, depending on room size. Meaning yes my Z5500 may be THX multimedia certified and will reproduce the same sound qualities and the THX Select systems, but the THX will sound the same up to 3 meters where as mine is much shorter of a distance. But still it had to pass the same exact sound test, and reproduce everything the THX select system did, but because it cannot go as loud, or fill as big as a room, it gets the THX Multimedia cert stamped on it.

But my main thing is still THX, the Z5500's sounds the exact same, and passed the same exact tests as any of the other ones, just it doesnt fill as big a room. And has a THX certified speakers, and AMP, that it has passed the tests to get the stamp on it.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: funboy42

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: funboy42

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: funboy42

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: Aquila76

Originally posted by: kenji4life
I haven't heard these personally, but based on the specs and the reviews I've seen, these more than 'rival most' htib's. With exception of audiophile htib's for hundreds more, of course.

That's exactly what I was comparing them to. These blow the grilles off the SONY, Philips, and RCA htibs they're comparably priced with. I've compared a set of these to my buddy's Klipsch setup and an Onkyo htib, and I think the Logitech sounded better (more detailed, smoother transitions), especially at this price point.

I currently have a Creative / Cambridge SoundWorks DTT3500 set on my PC, and they've been great since 2001 when I got them. However, their amp can't decode dts, only Dolby Digital. Since I got my widescreen LCD, I've been using my PC more and more for DVD viewing. Many of my DVDs are dts encoded and just don't sound right (to me anyway) using the WinDVD dts > analog decoder. Problem solved with the Logitech kit!

I don't even know that "audiophile htib" means, but Sony, Philips, and RCA are not it

Onkyo makes decent HTIB sets but even their ~$1k 7.1 THX certified (real THX, not computer speaker THX) wouldn't get into the "audiophile" category

I sent a question about this once and for all and will post what I get back. I dont think there is a diff between PC or home speakers, that in order to get the THX logo on it it has to pass, and match. or exceed, the same sound qualifications for both.
Should find out straight from the horses mouth, for I emailed THX directly about it to find out.

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="https://mywebspace.wi............pg"><a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="https://mywebspace.wi............ls.jpg"><a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="https://mywebspace.wi............levels.jpg"><a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="https://mywebspace.wisc..........X%20levels.jpg"><a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="https://mywebspace.wisc.edu......m/THX%20levels.jpg"><a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="https://mywebspace.wisc.edu/sp...andom/THX%20levels.jpg"><a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="https://mywebspace.wisc.edu/sp...andom/THX%20levels.jpg">https://mywebspace.wi............t;</a></a>

OK finally, my question is answered and I was right in my understanding of it. It does still have to pass the same Sound quality test, and reproduction and liner test same as home theater stuff, just it would be rated for a smaller room, but as far as sound goes it still has to pass the same exact test and makes my Z5500 sound no better, different, or worse, then a Onkyo HT THX $1K system, other then it can go louder.

HA, put that in your pipes and smoke it with all you haters that say "its not the same", for it sounds the same just not as loud, mmmmm I love my THX Z5500 even more now for even if I spent $1+ on another THX certified system, it will sound about the same as what I have, and what I have now is plenty loud enough for me

Thank you YoYo for finding that for me.

Actually I was just showing that as a clear example that there are different levels, not that loudness is the only difference. THX specifications are not given out to the public but rather kept just given to manufacturers who pay for to have their equipment tested and certified.

Here's more info
http://www.audioholics.com/edu...tion-general-questions

I would have to agree with anyone who says "it's not the same", especially in terms of the "Loudspeakers" section of that table included in that link. I would be totally shocked if any of those specs for Select and Ultra were met by the performance of the z-5500 set.

BUT:

WHAT IS THX CERTIFICATION?
Certified THX products must meet an exclusive set of performance standards established by THX. These THX performance standards were originally developed in response to George Lucas' personal desire to insure that the original Star Wars? soundtracks, heard in the cinema, matched those created on the sound stage. Later, these standards were extended to encompass Home Theater systems and recently adapted to the specialized needs of multi-channel surround reproduction from movies and games, on DVD, played back on a PC-based multimedia system. All multimedia products seeking THX Certification must meet these rigorous performance requirements and quality standards before they can carry the THX logo which is your guarantee that the THX certified Multimedia product will give you performance and reliability, second-to-none, for years to come. These performance standards cover all aspects of the product including power handling, frequency response, dispersion characteristics and more.

With that said, and your link you gave, the only differences is really between them all, is what limits it has to reproduce the same sound reproduction, depending on room size. Meaning yes my Z5500 may be THX multimedia certified and will reproduce the same sound qualities and the THX Select systems, but the THX will sound the same up to 3 meters where as mine is much shorter of a distance. But still it had to pass the same exact sound test, and reproduce everything the THX select system did, but because it cannot go as loud, or fill as big as a room, it gets the THX Multimedia cert stamped on it.

But my main thing is still THX, the Z5500's sounds the exact same, and passed the same exact tests as any of the other ones, just it doesnt fill as big a room. And has a THX certified speakers, and AMP, that it has passed the tests to get the stamp on it.

Oh dear...LOL


Funboy, I see you fall for marketing tactics hook line and sinker. Trust me, the Z-5500 is nowhere near the quality of even a $1000 HTiB. THX certification means ALMOST nothing nowadays. Most very good equipment is not THX certified because it can stand on its own sound and not a fancy badge put on the box.

The Z-5500's are decent, for computer speakers. For what most people who play computer games use them for(i.e. bf2) they work great. All they need to do is make the guns sound louder and rumble the room at 40 Hz and the geek in the chair will be happy.


Once you get into more expensive speaker and home theater equipment, you start to see why it costs so much. Most of all, quality of construction and sound quality. You're Z-5500 sub drops out sharply at about 34Hz. However, when you turn the DVD volume up to a fairly loud level, it won't produce those frequencies without distorting in an ugly manner.

The Z-5500 is a nearfield set of speakers. It is not meant to fill a large room evenly with sound or present a wide soundstage to multiple listeners. It is meant to surround 1 gamer and provide him with decent sound.

And don't try to tell me that a 10" woofer can integrate seemlessly with a fullrange 3" speaker...it just can't happen. Also, I hate to burst your bubble, but that "188 watt" subwoofer is rated at 10% THD. In the home theater world, this is a great way to distort your specs to make them appear more impressive. For example, my own receiver, which is a fairly moderate receiver...nothing THAT fancy(HK 435) is rated as follows:

3 x 65 watts into 8 ohms, 20 to 20,000 Hz with less than 0.07 percent THD,

Now this is a reliable specification. They tell you where they rated the power. Not just taken at its peak point(typically 1 KHz) but rather the lowest it can provide over the entire range and with a very low THD rating of just .07%.

This should make the differences in equipment more apparent to you. I am not saying you shouldn't be happy with your Z-5500, I just wouldn't go around stating that they are as good as "any THX equipment or HTiB" because...their not.

 

[Jules]

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: funboy42

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: funboy42

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: funboy42

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: Aquila76

Originally posted by: kenji4life
I haven't heard these personally, but based on the specs and the reviews I've seen, these more than 'rival most' htib's. With exception of audiophile htib's for hundreds more, of course.

That's exactly what I was comparing them to. These blow the grilles off the SONY, Philips, and RCA htibs they're comparably priced with. I've compared a set of these to my buddy's Klipsch setup and an Onkyo htib, and I think the Logitech sounded better (more detailed, smoother transitions), especially at this price point.

I currently have a Creative / Cambridge SoundWorks DTT3500 set on my PC, and they've been great since 2001 when I got them. However, their amp can't decode dts, only Dolby Digital. Since I got my widescreen LCD, I've been using my PC more and more for DVD viewing. Many of my DVDs are dts encoded and just don't sound right (to me anyway) using the WinDVD dts > analog decoder. Problem solved with the Logitech kit!

I don't even know that "audiophile htib" means, but Sony, Philips, and RCA are not it

Onkyo makes decent HTIB sets but even their ~$1k 7.1 THX certified (real THX, not computer speaker THX) wouldn't get into the "audiophile" category

I sent a question about this once and for all and will post what I get back. I dont think there is a diff between PC or home speakers, that in order to get the THX logo on it it has to pass, and match. or exceed, the same sound qualifications for both.
Should find out straight from the horses mouth, for I emailed THX directly about it to find out.

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="https://mywebspace.wi............pg">https://mywebspace.wi............pg</a>"><a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="https://mywebspace.wi............ls.jpg">https://mywebspace.wi............ls.jpg</a>"><a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="https://mywebspace.wi............levels.jpg">https://mywebspace.wi............levels.jpg</a>"><a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="https://mywebspace.wisc..........X%20levels.jpg">https://mywebspace.wisc..........X%20levels.jpg</a>"><a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="https://mywebspace.wisc.edu......m/THX%20levels.jpg">https://mywebspace.wisc.edu......m/THX%20levels.jpg</a>"><a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="https://mywebspace.wisc.edu/sp...andom/THX%20levels.jpg">https://mywebspace.wisc.edu......m/THX%20levels.jpg</a>"><a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="https://mywebspace.wisc.edu/spmclaughlin/web/Random/THX%20levels.jpg">https://mywebspace.wisc.edu......m/THX%20levels.jpg</a>"><a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="https://mywebspace.wi............a></a></a></a></a></a></a>">https://mywebspace.wi............t;/a></a></a>

OK finally, my question is answered and I was right in my understanding of it. It does still have to pass the same Sound quality test, and reproduction and liner test same as home theater stuff, just it would be rated for a smaller room, but as far as sound goes it still has to pass the same exact test and makes my Z5500 sound no better, different, or worse, then a Onkyo HT THX $1K system, other then it can go louder.

HA, put that in your pipes and smoke it with all you haters that say "its not the same", for it sounds the same just not as loud, mmmmm I love my THX Z5500 even more now for even if I spent $1+ on another THX certified system, it will sound about the same as what I have, and what I have now is plenty loud enough for me

Thank you YoYo for finding that for me.

Actually I was just showing that as a clear example that there are different levels, not that loudness is the only difference. THX specifications are not given out to the public but rather kept just given to manufacturers who pay for to have their equipment tested and certified.

Here's more info
http://www.audioholics.com/edu...tion-general-questions

I would have to agree with anyone who says "it's not the same", especially in terms of the "Loudspeakers" section of that table included in that link. I would be totally shocked if any of those specs for Select and Ultra were met by the performance of the z-5500 set.

BUT:

WHAT IS THX CERTIFICATION?
Certified THX products must meet an exclusive set of performance standards established by THX. These THX performance standards were originally developed in response to George Lucas' personal desire to insure that the original Star Wars? soundtracks, heard in the cinema, matched those created on the sound stage. Later, these standards were extended to encompass Home Theater systems and recently adapted to the specialized needs of multi-channel surround reproduction from movies and games, on DVD, played back on a PC-based multimedia system. All multimedia products seeking THX Certification must meet these rigorous performance requirements and quality standards before they can carry the THX logo which is your guarantee that the THX certified Multimedia product will give you performance and reliability, second-to-none, for years to come. These performance standards cover all aspects of the product including power handling, frequency response, dispersion characteristics and more.

With that said, and your link you gave, the only differences is really between them all, is what limits it has to reproduce the same sound reproduction, depending on room size. Meaning yes my Z5500 may be THX multimedia certified and will reproduce the same sound qualities and the THX Select systems, but the THX will sound the same up to 3 meters where as mine is much shorter of a distance. But still it had to pass the same exact sound test, and reproduce everything the THX select system did, but because it cannot go as loud, or fill as big as a room, it gets the THX Multimedia cert stamped on it.

But my main thing is still THX, the Z5500's sounds the exact same, and passed the same exact tests as any of the other ones, just it doesnt fill as big a room. And has a THX certified speakers, and AMP, that it has passed the tests to get the stamp on it.

Oh dear...LOL


Funboy, I see you fall for marketing tactics hook line and sinker. Trust me, the Z-5500 is nowhere near the quality of even a $1000 HTiB. THX certification means ALMOST nothing nowadays. Most very good equipment is not THX certified because it can stand on its own sound and not a fancy badge put on the box.

The Z-5500's are decent, for computer speakers. For what most people who play computer games use them for(i.e. bf2) they work great. All they need to do is make the guns sound louder and rumble the room at 40 Hz and the geek in the chair will be happy.


Once you get into more expensive speaker and home theater equipment, you start to see why it costs so much. Most of all, quality of construction and sound quality. You're Z-5500 sub drops out sharply at about 34Hz. However, when you turn the DVD volume up to a fairly loud level, it won't produce those frequencies without distorting in an ugly manner.

The Z-5500 is a nearfield set of speakers. It is not meant to fill a large room evenly with sound or present a wide soundstage to multiple listeners. It is meant to surround 1 gamer and provide him with decent sound.

And don't try to tell me that a 10" woofer can integrate seemlessly with a fullrange 3" speaker...it just can't happen. Also, I hate to burst your bubble, but that "188 watt" subwoofer is rated at 10% THD. In the home theater world, this is a great way to distort your specs to make them appear more impressive. For example, my own receiver, which is a fairly moderate receiver...nothing THAT fancy(HK 435) is rated as follows:

3 x 65 watts into 8 ohms, 20 to 20,000 Hz with less than 0.07 percent THD,

Now this is a reliable specification. They tell you where they rated the power. Not just taken at its peak point(typically 1 KHz) but rather the lowest it can provide over the entire range and with a very low THD rating of just .07%.

This should make the differences in equipment more apparent to you. I am not saying you shouldn't be happy with your Z-5500, I just wouldn't go around stating that they are as good as "any THX equipment or HTiB" because...their not.

Well Said.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: funboy42
With that said, and your link you gave, the only differences is really between them all, is what limits it has to reproduce the same sound reproduction, depending on room size. Meaning yes my Z5500 may be THX multimedia certified and will reproduce the same sound qualities and the THX Select systems, but the THX will sound the same up to 3 meters where as mine is much shorter of a distance. But still it had to pass the same exact sound test, and reproduce everything the THX select system did, but because it cannot go as loud, or fill as big as a room, it gets the THX Multimedia cert stamped on it.

But my main thing is still THX, the Z5500's sounds the exact same, and passed the same exact tests as any of the other ones, just it doesnt fill as big a room. And has a THX certified speakers, and AMP, that it has passed the tests to get the stamp on it.

I don't even know where you're getting this "sound exactly the same" part of things. Two systems made by different companies that even share the same THX level are going to each sound different.

PurdueRy has already gone through some of the big points that go into why a computer speaker set that I'll admit is an excellent deal at the $200 shipped price it was a short while ago... is not going to "sounds the exact same" as THX Select(2) or THX Ultra(2) systems.

Logitech makes some solid options for computer speakers, but it's not in the same ballpark of quality as more expensive systems. Your whole argument is based off each being suited for their own specific listening situation and you can clearly tell from your own use of your system that it's not intended to be used in the way you're using it and still be "THX".

There are clearly some things that higher end systems that get these ratings can do that your z-5500 set cannot do. Just for an example of the bass extension PurdueRy mentioned, try playing this and see if it even plays the low frequencies in it.
https://mywebspace.wisc.edu/sp.../Random/mission-72.wmv

There's a lot more to getting an excellent sounding system than taking what z-5500s can do and increasing the volume.

I know you're very happy with them and what you've been able to do with them, and I was very happy with my original Logitech set, but there is definately a reason I've spend several thousand dollars on my current sound system, and it's not just about volume.

I just had a co-worker over for the first time to watch X-Men 3 and she was blown away by the experience and at the end said she understood why I didn't go to the theater anymore.

If you're ever in the Madison area, you can come over and hear what I'm talking about... or if you want it easier, go to a real HT type store and demo some real equipment.

 

[Aquila76]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: Aquila76

Originally posted by: kenji4life
I haven't heard these personally, but based on the specs and the reviews I've seen, these more than 'rival most' htib's. With exception of audiophile htib's for hundreds more, of course.

That's exactly what I was comparing them to. These blow the grilles off the SONY, Philips, and RCA htibs they're comparably priced with. I've compared a set of these to my buddy's Klipsch setup and an Onkyo htib, and I think the Logitech sounded better (more detailed, smoother transitions), especially at this price point.

I currently have a Creative / Cambridge SoundWorks DTT3500 set on my PC, and they've been great since 2001 when I got them. However, their amp can't decode dts, only Dolby Digital. Since I got my widescreen LCD, I've been using my PC more and more for DVD viewing. Many of my DVDs are dts encoded and just don't sound right (to me anyway) using the WinDVD dts > analog decoder. Problem solved with the Logitech kit!

I don't even know that "audiophile htib" means, but Sony, Philips, and RCA are not it

Onkyo makes decent HTIB sets but even their ~$1k 7.1 THX certified (real THX, not computer speaker THX) wouldn't get into the "audiophile" category

Of course those $200 kits aren't audiophile; that's not the point I was making. I was trying to say that for the price point these are at (similar to the Sony, Philips, etc.), nothing compares to them. You have to get into the $500+ range to beat these out (like my buddy's Klipsch).

 

[funboy6942]

Well I was just basing the sound quality to the several many component systems I had put together in the past that cost me several thousand dollars when I was able to afford them, and now this. To my ear, I hear nothing different, but maybe a slight edge to the Z5500, over anything I have put together. Im not talking out my ass, for I have owned great single part system and speakers in all brands including Klipsch and Onkyo, to lesser ones of Denon, Sony, Panasonic, and Realistic, in all forms, with huge floor speakers, to the Klipsch set that had tiny front speakers, with a massive sub. I may of not heard what is out there now, or paid $1k for one speaker, but for the average working man, who can afford a decent $1k-$1500 total set I prefer the sound I am getting from these. Be it marketing ploy, what have you, all I have to say is you cannot knock them, until you hear them yourselves, in the same situation as I, with the same speakers hooked up as I (Logitech Z680 front and surrounds), before you can go off claiming they sound like poo. Then at that point you may understand where I am coming from in saying for ~$300 nothing can touch them in a NEAR SAME PRICE HT situation, let alone a PC situation.

I am in no way knocking if you have the funds to put together $3000+ system that it wont sound good, Im sure it does with no doubt, but really how many people can afford $3000+ in todays day and age who have a family with kids? I sure as hell cannot, and thats why I tout these for people in my same boat who are not single, or just a teen without many bills with money to burn, I was there myself as well in my 20's and spent a damn good deal of my cash on RC equipment, and HT audio Visuals, to impress my friends. Now I am older, and wiser, and a hell of a lot more broke them most of you here, I need to spend my money wisely, get what I paid for, and the Z5500 did just that. I will continue to plug them all the time, for those who want great sound in the same range, then buying the crap in a box. That really cannot come close, for I have owned them, and tested them before moving where I am now, and ended up buying what I did, due to the fact in the price range there just is nothing that can come close in price, and sound quality.

If someone can afford more then the Z5500 why the hell you even listening to what I have to say or bump in? You can afford better go buy it, but because you can doesnt mean everyone can, and saying a $1K system will smoke a $300 system, is stupid, for again if you can afford more then this, why do you have to come in and say my $1k system will smoke it? I mean I dont go into threads where someone says, I have $1000-$2000 to spend on HT equipment, and I jump in saying buy the Z5000's, that person has the money to afford better, why would I go tell him to buy a lesser system? If someone says they have $500 total, you bet your ass I am going to jump in and give them an option over some junk in the box. But it just astounds me how when the ever the Z5500 get mentioned by anyone, someone has to come in saying that you can get better if you buy, this, that, and the other, spending over $1000. If they had $1000 they wouldn't be thinking if the Z5500 in the first place HELL if I had a few grand at the time, I wouldn't of bought the other set for my HT room, but I was limited in my funds, and I wasnt about to buy a $500 speaker, and other parts at a time, waiting a year and a half till I had it all to enjoy it, and then what I had was obsolete for it took me so long to acquire all the parts one at a time.

Anyway, in my drugged out stupor Im done rambling on, I hope I made some damn sense, in where I was going with it. All I know is it sounds damn good to me, everyone else who bought one, and every one who ever reviewed them, and said, they could easily double as a HT set up as well. Find one review that said they sounded like poo, and didnt recommend them as a HT set up, who didn't review speakers or other av equipment for a living

It just sounds like poo to who never heard, or bought them, could afford something way out there in price, that of course would sound better when paying several grand vs $300, or was on such a high horse for that in no way could $300 speakers sound good, and in their mind, never will because of price.

I also offer to you YoYo the same open invite, if you ever make it my way, stop over and we can have a few beers, and a debate. As far as me getting up that way, sorry to say wont happen as much as I would like it to. My situation will never allow me to go anywhere if I wanted, or could afford to.

 

[Takemaru]

Damn those things hold their cost, I bought those speakers in early january of last year from amazon for 220 with free super saver shipping, to see them still going for more than i paid nearly 2 years later makes me feel really good about that purchase...

Great speakers BTW, i've had home theater sets that didn't sound this good and while they may not be audiophile material, they don't cost a grand either, they are the best set you can get for the price IMO...

Optical and coax SPDIF is a big plus, as is DTS. only downside is it maxes out @ 96/24 stereo and the only chipset i ever used that'll actually utilize a true digital output (reported as digital by the speakers) was the nforce 2, Soundmax DTS works but the chipset really sucks so it has to be reset everytime you boot to actually turn on.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: funboy42
I mean I dont go into threads where someone says, I have $1000-$2000 to spend on HT equipment, and I jump in saying buy the Z5000's

But you do go into threads like that, which is kind of the point I'm trying to make.

I'm of the same opinion that for this pricepoint, Logitech offers great bang for the buck. I'm going on about this because of the massive inaccuracies you're stating about their performance.

A few short posts ago you were saying that the only difference between your z-5500s and something like the $10k Klipsch Ultra2 system was how loud it gets, which is clearly not true.

Honestly I already know what the Logitech sets sound like and the z-560/z-680 sats in particular, and I know that there's a lot more to it than volume when comparing them to real speakers.

I agree with you that they're a great alternative to ~$200-$300 HTIB type sets, but please don't tell people they have amazing sound quality because Logitech paid THX a bunch of money to get on their list of Multimedia Certified THX products.

 

[ICXRa]

I've seen some of your setup....I know why you don't go to the theater anymore too! Same reason I don't!



Hey back to the discussion here I have a set of both the 5500's and the 680's due to the problems the 680's had. Is the consensus that the 680 satellites are better than the newer 5500's?

I have read this somewhere else before but don't really want to crawl under the desk and change them out for no reason.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

As per request, this is what that song I posted earlier has going on that most systems will miss. (Song from Rubycon, chart by PurdueRy)

https://mywebspace.wisc.edu/sp...dom/mission72chart.PNG

The massive red peaks are in the 18hz range.

 

[Samus]

Dont for get about the Easter egg 2nd display on these either people!

The easter egg also worked on my Z5450's.

Not too surprising, its basically the last generation of this set. I like what it does to the volume display, but not so much the power button. I wish the power button would just turn off when not in use

 

[masshass81]

I'm very happy with my set. Got them for $280.00 after tax and shipping from mwave around Nov 2004. Has all the connections and decoders. I especially love the sound of DTS on these speakers!

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: Takemaru
Damn those things hold their cost, I bought those speakers in early january of last year from amazon for 220 with free super saver shipping, to see them still going for more than i paid nearly 2 years later makes me feel really good about that purchase...

Great speakers BTW, i've had home theater sets that didn't sound this good and while they may not be audiophile material, they don't cost a grand either, they are the best set you can get for the price IMO...

Optical and coax SPDIF is a big plus, as is DTS. only downside is it maxes out @ 96/24 stereo and the only chipset i ever used that'll actually utilize a true digital output (reported as digital by the speakers) was the nforce 2, Soundmax DTS works but the chipset really sucks so it has to be reset everytime you boot to actually turn on.

The other chipsets have a "true digital out" but it does not encode in real time. If it is set up correctly, movies should get you DD and DTS to your Z-5500.

 

[funboy6942]

Originally posted by: ICXRa
I've seen some of your setup....I know why you don't go to the theater anymore too! Same reason I don't!



Hey back to the discussion here I have a set of both the 5500's and the 680's due to the problems the 680's had. Is the consensus that the 680 satellites are better than the newer 5500's?

I have read this somewhere else before but don't really want to crawl under the desk and change them out for no reason.

I have heard a heck of a difference between the two myself, most noticeably in the mid range. the 560.680 speakers have a slightly larger speaker, and bigger speaker box, and I noticed enough of a difference to change both my Z5500 set to the older style, and sell off the ones that came with my z55 set.

I should also make note that I have tried the Sounblaster built in DTS and DD decoding vs, the Logitech's and believe it or not I heard a difference in that as well having the soundblaster sound much better over having it pass through to the Z5500.

If someone else feel like testing that out as well, feel free.

 

[funboy6942]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: funboy42
I mean I dont go into threads where someone says, I have $1000-$2000 to spend on HT equipment, and I jump in saying buy the Z5000's

But you do go into threads like that, which is kind of the point I'm trying to make.

I'm of the same opinion that for this pricepoint, Logitech offers great bang for the buck. I'm going on about this because of the massive inaccuracies you're stating about their performance.

A few short posts ago you were saying that the only difference between your z-5500s and something like the $10k Klipsch Ultra2 system was how loud it gets, which is clearly not true.

Honestly I already know what the Logitech sets sound like and the z-560/z-680 sats in particular, and I know that there's a lot more to it than volume when comparing them to real speakers.

I agree with you that they're a great alternative to ~$200-$300 HTIB type sets, but please don't tell people they have amazing sound quality because Logitech paid THX a bunch of money to get on their list of Multimedia Certified THX products.

But that is my beef right there. im not saying that because they are stamped THX they kick the crap out of $10k set, I bring it up only to the ones who question it sound capabilities in telling me they cannot sound good in any way. I didnt mean for my replies to come off as in saying its the same, it was more so to say it had to pass the same exact sound tests as the others to even get the THX logo on it, so in no way can anyone say they sound like crap. They have to reproduce the set standards set forth for them to reproduce the same, or better, as the original producers wanted, or in the theater, just in a smaller environment, so the ones that kept saying, Im full of it and they sound for poo, have no say so because within .6 meters, it has to sound the same as the THX select does within its 3.0 meters, in order to get the THX logo stamped on it. Does that make more sense, and I am sorry I just dont have the language skills as others do, and if someone does understand my point, or where I am going and can translate it into lingo other will then understand please do so for me so my point gets across.

but anyway, thats where I was trying to go with it.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: funboy42

Originally posted by: ICXRa
I've seen some of your setup....I know why you don't go to the theater anymore too! Same reason I don't!



Hey back to the discussion here I have a set of both the 5500's and the 680's due to the problems the 680's had. Is the consensus that the 680 satellites are better than the newer 5500's?

I have read this somewhere else before but don't really want to crawl under the desk and change them out for no reason.

I have heard a heck of a difference between the two myself, most noticeably in the mid range. the 560.680 speakers have a slightly larger speaker, and bigger speaker box, and I noticed enough of a difference to change both my Z5500 set to the older style, and sell off the ones that came with my z55 set.

I should also make note that I have tried the Sounblaster built in DTS and DD decoding vs, the Logitech's and believe it or not I heard a difference in that as well having the soundblaster sound much better over having it pass through to the Z5500.

If someone else feel like testing that out as well, feel free.

Kind of relating to the other topic of discussion, the z-560/z-680 sets were THX certified the same level that the z-5500s are.

You keep saying things will sound the same and have the same capabilities with THX certification... how can the z-560/z-680 sats sound so much better than the z-5500 sats if they're both THX certified at the same level?

You can see from your own experience that sets that meet a certain level of certification can vary widely in capabilities. THX Multimedia is the lowest grade of THX certification. From your post after the one I quoted here, you still seem to think that distance is the only thing that differs between the different levels of certification. That's not true

We do not know the exact specs that THX uses for its certification programs, but that does not mean that they are the same. We know that they are different, we just don't have the details.

And of course I didn't say you implied that z-5500s would "kick the crap out of" a Ultra 2 certified set. I said that you think that they will sound the same, only the volume capabilites will be different. It seems like you still think that. They will not sound the same, the Ultra 2 system will "kick the crap out of" the z-5500 set, and I'm not just talking about volume.

I don't know where you're getting that distance is the only difference between the THX certification levels. It's one of the many categories of specs and the one that's published for the public, but you seem to think that it means that the other specs do not exist or are unimportant. A z-5500 set at .6 meters will not sound the same as a THX select system at 3.0 meters.

EDIT:
Here's a reveiw where they took apart a z-560 set
http://www.dansdata.com/speakersets.htm

 

[Lordhumungus]

I see how you would think Funboy is saying that they all sound the same. This is just my two cents but I think what he is trying to say is that they all meet some minimum requirement, so at they very least they all sound at or above a certain quality level. Because they meet or exceed these min specs, they shouldn't just be labeled crap because they don't cost $10k and don't shatter windows when they are cranked up. The best analogy I can give is a factory stock Corvette is not at the performance level of a factory stock Ferrari, but it's still a high performance car and a damn nice one for the price.

BTW I realize I probably don't have any business anywhere in this discussion, so feel free to give me the finger and laugh at me accordingly

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Lordhumungus
I see how you would think Funboy is saying that they all sound the same. This is just my two cents but I think what he is trying to say is that they all meet some minimum requirement, so at they very least they all sound at or above a certain quality level. Because they meet or exceed these min specs, they shouldn't just be labeled crap because they don't cost $10k and don't shatter windows when they are cranked up. The best analogy I can give is a factory stock Corvette is not at the performance level of a factory stock Ferrari, but it's still a high performance car and a damn nice one for the price.

BTW I realize I probably don't have any business anywhere in this discussion, so feel free to give me the finger and laugh at me accordingly

My point is that the minimum standards they are meeting are not the same.

The minimum standards for a THX Select system are tougher to meet than THX Multimedia. The standards for THX Ultra are tougher than Select or Multimedia.

The z-5500s would not meet the THX Select or Ultra standards, so saying that they all meet the same minimum standard doesn't make sense.

To use your car analogy (YJX... Yo Jello Xperiment), maybe a company would go out and have a list of criteria they looked for in car performance.

They could have an Economy level, a Sports car level, and a Supercar level.

Lets say a Stock Corvette meets their YJX Sports level

The Ferarri meets their YJX Supercar level

Throw in a Honda Civic meeting their YJX Economy level and we have something representing z-5500s.

They're all YJX certified but they met different levels so it doesn't mean you can compare their capabilities at the same level.

I haven't called the z-5500s crap, but it's ridiculous to think that they're going to sound the same as the other systems when used at the right distance.

 

[Lordhumungus]

Okay, that makes perfect sense. That being said I actually have a question for you. I just see THX Certified when looking at the speakers, is there any way to determine what type of cert they receieved?

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: Lordhumungus
Okay, that makes perfect sense. That being said I actually have a question for you. I just see THX Certified when looking at the speakers, is there any way to determine what type of cert they receieved?

If it just says "THX certified" then it is the lowest form of THX certification

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: Lordhumungus
Okay, that makes perfect sense. That being said I actually have a question for you. I just see THX Certified when looking at the speakers, is there any way to determine what type of cert they receieved?

If it just says "THX certified" then it is the lowest form of THX certification

THX also has a listing of current THX certified products here (with "THX" = the multimedia level)

http://www.thx.com/products/index.html

EDIT: Oh and by the way, Lordhumungus, with all this THX talk, I didn't mean to imply that it's really an important thing to look for when buying something. I've had a couple THX certified products in my older systems but none of my current stuff has a THX stamp on it.

I think I even have a picture around here somewhere... yeah, there it is

There really aren't that many companies overall that pay THX to get their products tested and certified. It's mainly a marketing thing. It does guarantee a certain level of performance, but as evident in this thread, nobody except the manufacturers and THX know exactly what that means

There are a TON of great products out there made by companies that have not bought into THX's certification tests. Don't let it be a big factor in what you end up buying.

 

[ICXRa]

THX-The BOSE of consumer electronic hardware

 

[trOver]

Going for 249.99 at dell now. Freeshipping, tax is 12 bucks for me. Not bad!

 

[A5]

Originally posted by: ICXRa
THX-The BOSE of consumer electronic hardware

I think that BOSE is the BOSE of CE hardware...

 

[ICXRa]

haha yeah I kind of forgot to add "certifications" at the end.